There is a "deeply disturbing" shortage in the number of trained Defence Medical Services staff, official figures revealed today.
The number of fully qualified medical officers is 42 per cent below the required level and there is a 21 per cent shortfall in the number of nurses, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The figures were obtained by former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell who said the shortage must place "enormous strain" on the Defence Medical Services.
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In a written reply to a parliamentary question, defence minister Kevan Jones revealed the required number of medical officers in the Defence Medical Service was 818 but the trained strength was just 476.
And there were just 1,500 nurses, although the requirement was 1,900, the latest figures from October last year showed.
The number of medical support services personnel, including paramedics, showed a shortfall of more than 200 with a trained strength of 3,882 against a requirement of 4,083.
In his reply to Sir Menzies, Mr Jones said data highlighting potential "pinch points" in the Armed Forces would no longer be published.
Mr Jones said disclosure of the information could "prejudice the capability effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces" but Sir Menzies claimed the decision was to "prevent public embarrassment" to the Government.
Concern: Sir Menzies Campbell found the armed forces have a huge shortage of qualified medical staff
Sir Menzies said: "The 42 per cent shortage of medical officers is deeply disturbing and must inevitably place enormous strain on those who are actually in service.
"Medical overstretch is just as damaging as infantry overstretch.
"The decision to withhold information in future on such statistics is described as being to preserve the security of the armed forces.
"It is much more likely to be to prevent public embarrassment of the Government.
"When we send young men and women into circumstances where they are at risk of life and limb, we owe it to them to provide the best medical cover."
The Ministry of Defence acknowledged there was a problem with the number of trained regular personnel but said the shortfall was partly made up for by the use of reservists.
A spokesman said: "There is no question of British forces deploying on military operations without the appropriate medical support.
"Defence Medical Services have met all the operational requirements placed on them and have been repeatedly praised for their work in theatre by the House of Commons Defence Committee and the National Audit Office.
"However, we acknowledge that manpower shortages remain a problem.
"We are taking active steps to address the shortfalls, including the use of reservists and recruitment incentives, as well as prioritising resources to support operations."
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